He next performed duty on Guam and upon his return to the United States was placed in charge of the School of Application for Officers at the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.

The change in the Chinese government from an empire to a republic, which took place during this period, and the attendant disorders in and around Peking made this tour of duty particularly interesting and difficult.

Upon his return to the United States, he was assigned duty in the Office of Naval Intelligence, Navy Department, where he served until 1917, with the exception of a tour of duty (temporary) from April 30 to December 5, 1914, commanding the 2d Battalion, 3d Regiment, U.S. Marines at Verz Cruz, Mexico, being detached to the United States Army during the period.

Major General Russell was appointed Commandant of the Marine Corps on March 1, 1934, and remained in that position until his retirement December 1, 1936.

Major General Russell retired after 42 years of commissioned service and continued in an active career as a military journalist.

In addition to numerous letters of commendation on his excellent performance of duty during his long and varied career, Maj. Gen. Russell was awarded: Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Colonel John Henry Russell (MCSN: 0-854), United States Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession in able administration of the First Provisional Brigade of Marines in Haiti, and for wisdom and tact in all his dealings with the officials of the Haitian Government and people.

[2] This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.